Which brand of filter is easiest to cut open?

[uniberp]

I cut open my removed filters to inspect them by trimming off the rim with a tin snip. Then the insides just slip out.
Seems like this mobile1 filter had a thicker rim that I had to cut through with a sidecutter, and the case metal seemed thicker.
Or was I just weak that day?
Are some cases stronger/thicker than others?

 

[dnewton3]

Or was I just weak that day?

We have no perspective to judge your strength by, or baseline to compare/contrast to. But that really doesn't have any direct correlation to your next question, or the thread title.

Are some cases stronger/thicker than others?

Yes.

 

[oggb]

Cartridge style filters are pretty easy... don't even have to cut any metal to look at them

 

[webfors]

Get an oil filter cutter. It's a patience thing.. not a strength thing.

 

[supton]

Got a cheapie oil cutter, it makes short work of Honda filters. Denso's for my Toyota? maybe I shoulda bought a better cutter, it's awful slicing that open, to the point where I might not bother on the one I just removed.

 

[53' Stude]

I cut open my removed filters to inspect them by trimming off the rim with a tin snip. Then the insides just slip out.
Seems like this mobile1 filter had a thicker rim that I had to cut through with a sidecutter, and the case metal seemed thicker.


Or was I just weak that day?
Are some cases stronger/thicker than others?

Easiest brand I e cut open is Purolator jobber filters and Pennzoil filters.

 

[CR94]

Cartridge style filters are pretty easy... don't even have to cut any metal to look at them

Yes, and you can non-destructively check their construction, pleat spacing, etc. before use, as well as after.

 

[Creekside]

@53' Stude has probably cut more oil filters than anyone here by a long shot so I defer to his judgement. My only $0.02 is that it has varied more by the size of the filter and not brand in my limited experience. The smaller filters I've cut (Wix 51394/51360) were more difficult for me than say a OTR engine or fuel filter. The most frustrating one so far was a FF63009 which has a plastic housing. It took forever and my Cat filter cutter didn't work well with the plastic. The C&P is posted on here.

 

[53' Stude]

@Creekside I’ve found the toughest ones to cut are Hastings, Donaldson, WIX/NAPA GOLD for diesel trucks. Older Fram ultras were tough also

 

[ziggy]

Supertech. I use the 3387a. Have a common oil filter cutter,bar type.easiest I've ever opened. Acdelco upf47r too.